Panesar received some rough treatment from Luke Ronchi

Former skipper Stewart captained an ECB XI including Panesar against a Cricket Australia Chairman's side.

"I think Monty will play in Perth. We've got to take 20 wickets we haven't looked like taking 20.

"He's not the be-all and end-all but what he's done so far has been very good on turning wickets," he said.

Interview: Former England captain Alec Stewart

"I don't know about his figures on non-turning wickets - but he's a special bowler."

Panesar's two wickets came at a cost of 63 runs as the ECB XI went down by seven wickets, but with England 2-0 down in the Ashes series the clamour for his inclusion in the Test side has grown in intensity.

"He bowled alright...the wicket didn't offer anything for him and he got hit for some big sixes, but after five or six overs he was happy with the way the ball came out of his hand," Stewart said.

606 DEBATE: Do you agree with Alec Stewart about Panesar?

Despite his support for Panesar, Stewart still backs the selection decisions taken by England coach Duncan Fletcher so far on tour.

"I'm Duncan's biggest fan. He's the best coach I've worked with or worked under. He knows the game inside out. He knows how the opposition play and he is very well respected inside that England dressing room.

"The criticism he's getting is, I believe, unfair because he will prepare that England team as well as any other coach in world cricket. I've huge regard for him," he told BBC Sport.

"All he can do is prepare the players. Once you cross that white line and the game starts, then it's down to the 11 individuals to go and perform.

"At the moment, we are not playing as a team. We've got for or five players playing well but to beat Australia you need eight, nine, 10 or all 11 performing."

Asked whether England could fight back and hang onto the Ashes, he replied: "Mathematically, yes. It's a huge ask. It's only been done once before in the history of cricket. Figures will tell you it won't happen."

Opposite number Justin Langer, meanwhile, described Panesar as a "very good bowler" but warned England fans about expecting too much from him if he does play in next week's Test at the Waca ground in Perth.

"I have played him a lot in county cricket. He is a very good finger spinner, but we'll have to wait and see what effect he will have at the Waca," he said.

"It is always a tough place to bowl for finger spinners."